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No Zuma boost for Hoskins
10/03/2008 22:02 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - The ANC has denied that its president, Jacob Zuma, has pledged to support Oregan Hoskins in the election of the SA Rugby Union president.
A Sunday newspaper reported last weekend that Zuma was supporting the current president in his election battle against Mike Stofile.
According to the report, Hoskins had said Zuma's support was a "wonderful boost" to his campaign.
On Monday, however, ANC national spokesperson Jessie Duarte dismissed claims of support for Hoskins after she had discussed the matter with Zuma.
"The president of the ANC does not take sides in leadership issues in any other organisation," Duarte said.
She added that Zuma would support the result of Saru's election of a president on March 27, irrespective of who won.
Meanwhile, Saru's leadership have been "invited" to appear before the parliamentary sports portfolio committee next Tuesday, March 18.
"Saru's full presidents' council have been invited, Cedric Frolick, vice-chair of committee, said on Monday.
Butana Komphela, chair of the committee, would also request the presence of SA Rugby's managing director, Jonathan Stones, Frolick said.
Transaction with SuperSport
"The matters on the agenda include the progress with Saru's transformation charter as well as the undertakings given in respect of a regional team in the South Eastern Cape.
"Another matter we want to discuss with Saru is the recent transaction with SuperSport over future broadcasting rights.
"We want to know what the implications will be for black clubs. There is concern that all the money may go to the (rugby unions') business divisions," Frolick said.
SA Rugby came under fire recently for entering into the transaction with SuperSport without a tender process being followed.
Rugby administrators maintain, however, that the transaction is to the benefit of SA rugby.
Recent allegations of financial misdemeanours within SA Rugby may also be brought up in parliament.
Johan Prinsloo, Saru's chief executive, said on Monday he had not seen the invitation from the portfolio committee.
He expressed concern about allegations of financial misdemeanours made by Tony McKeever, former chief executive of the Southern Spears.
"What worries me, is that it seems anyone can just express any accusation in public," Prinsloo said.
"This is bad for the image or SA rugby and the sport can suffer long-term harm.
"Oregan Hoskins has requested that (the rumours) be investigated and I believe it will be done," Prinsloo said.
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Rugby
